Posts on the topic of "Iran"

Elie Wiesel, the famed Nobel Prize-winning author and Holocaust survivor, is jumping into the fray these days about the highly-charged political situation in Iran.

Last week, when Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu compared the Iranian nuclear threat to a second Holocaust, Wiesel shot back:

"Iran is a threat, but can we say that it will make a second Auschwitz? I don't compare anything to the Holocaust... Only Auschwitz was Auschwitz."

This week, Wiesel accompanied President Barack Obama on a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington. Following the visit, as reported by the Washington Times, President Obama said:

"It's a bitter truth. Too often the world has failed to prevent the killing of innocents on a massive scale, and we are haunted by the atrocities that we did not stop and the lives we did not save."

But Wiesel wondered aloud why world leaders have not "learned anything" from the Holocaust.

"How is it that Assad is still in power?" Wiesel asked, referring to the 10,000 civilians who have died in Syria since popular protests began about a year ago.

Wiesel continued:

"How is it that the Holocaust's No. 1 denier, Ahmadinejad, is still a president? He who threatens to use nuclear weapons… to destroy the Jewish state. We must know that when evil has power, it is almost too late."

So Wiesel did in fact use the Holocaust Museum as an opportunity to push for protection of Israel today.

My take on all this is that while there are clear parallels ― i.e. Israel's 6 million Jews are being threatened with annihilation by a dictatorial madman ― using the term capital-H "Holocaust" is best reserved for that horrific singular event in world history, the Nazi destruction of European Jewry.

Now it's up to each of us to stop Iran and ensure that nothing of the sort ever happens again.

Eli Weisel should continue with his efforts to bring down
Ahmedijenbad

Anonymous,
April 25, 2012 8:30 PM

Eli Weisel is absolutly right. Lieders of countries who advocate killings and kill, who advocate destruction should be stoped before is too late. That is a simple logic.Many organization collect money, only money will not do the job.Wake up world We dso not need an other Hitler.

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The horrific murder of Rabbi Sandler and three young children is a wake-up call for Jews worldwide.

Mar 19, 2012 at 12:47:19 PM

The world is recoiling from the horrific slaughter at a Jewish school in Toulouse, France that killed Rabbi Jonathan Sandler, his two sons, and a young girl.

Rabbi Sandler, age 30, was sent from Israel to strengthen the Jewish community in France. He was teaching at the same Ozar HaTorah School that he attended as a child.

We now know this was an anti-Semitic act. Which means this is a wake-up call for Jews worldwide.

Some mistakenly think that only the Jews of Israel are in danger ― from Hezbollah in the north, Hamas in the south, and Iran in the nuclear skies above.

Yet while Israel does indeed bear the brunt of anti-Semitism, the fact is that Ahmadinejad and his cohorts view all Jews as equally valid targets. As Hezbollah leader Sheikh Nasrallah so bluntly put it: "If the Jews all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide." (Lebanon Daily Star, October 23, 2002)

One chilling detail being reported is that 3-year-old Gabriel Sandler, gunned down at point blank range in Toulouse, was named after Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, the Chabad emissary who was murdered by terrorists in Mumbai, India, in 2008.

Here in Israel, we are living under tremendous pressure as the threat of nuclear annihilation looms. Yet sometimes I get the feeling that Jews abroad still perceive the threat as "somewhere out there."

In truth, it is right in your backyard.

Rafah, the Iranian news site affiliated with Ahmadinejad, has threatened to "take the war beyond the borders of Iran, and beyond the borders of the region." Last month, Islamists hit Jewish targets in Georgia and India, plus two Iranian-perpetrated blasts in Bangkok, Thailand.

So what's the solution? Can we expect much in the way of international protection (an element which was sorely lacking during the Holocaust)? No, not if the United Nations is any indication. It is the U.N. Human Rights Council that originally scheduled a speech ― today, the very day of the Toulouse slaughter ― by Ismail al-Ashqar, the same senior Hamas official who described the killing of Osama Bin Laden as "state terrorism that America carries out against Muslims."

And in a speech just hours after the murders, Catherine Ashton, one of the highest-ranking European Union officials, juxtaposed "what happened in Toulouse" with "what is happening in Gaza..."

The world is descending into a new round of moral confusion and chaos. The sooner we realize one inalienable truth, the better off we will all be:

Every Jew, no matter where s/he is, cannot separate himself from Israel. We are all one, intrinsically bound for eternity.

Today, let us join together to mourn the murder of Rabbi Sandler and three young children.

And let us feel the pain of the bereaved widow who moved to France with the purest of intentions, and now returns to Israel to bury her husband and two sons.

Visitor Comments: 87

(59)
Amy,
March 23, 2012 5:14 AM

Souls and hearts, sorrow, prayer and peace...

Please G-d protect the souls of those 4 folks who were brutally killed, and the hearts of those whom they left behind. My sorrow for the innocent lives cut short (at the hand of a dreadful coward), and my prayers to the family members who now must forever suffer such agony. Peace, peace and peace.

(58)
Ari Tzedek,
March 22, 2012 5:05 PM

Yes a wake up call, but a bit different than the one you suggest.

I agree that this was a wake up call. But not exactly the one you're portraying. That Jews are the primary targets is obvious, but the world at large are targets as well. I know very few Jews that don't know that there are people waiting to kill us at the first opportunity. It's the rest of the world that has trouble accepting that they are targets, just because they don't believe the same things as those that resort to terror to prove they're right. What happened in France was the perfect example of this. This murderer targeted military personnel first. People that devoted their lives for the causes of freedom and justice. Then he targeted Jews. The cowardice of such people to target those who are helpless is just astounding. The murderers next target, (which he told the police), was going to be more people that dedicated their lives to justice. Perhaps what G-d is trying to wake the world up to is, that if you recognize the barbarism of the terrorists that target the helpless and innocent, and act to right those wrongs, they, in turn, will also be helped. Kudos to France for standing up and going after justice with a vengeance. Kudos to the president of France for asking that Moslems as a whole, not be targeted in retaliation. And kudos to the Palestinian president for clarifying that the murder of those children in France, was in no way like the death of the Palestinian children, who are also victims of an unholy war. My sympathies to the families of all those that have lost children and loved ones to the acts of radicals that have no conscience. May the Sandler family be comforted in the Gates of Zion and Jerusalem. Hamokom Yinachaim

(57)
Pinchas,
March 22, 2012 1:10 PM

Thank you al-Qaeda

Thank you al-Qaeda, for while we Jews in Israel have been focused on what separates us you do not make such distinctions. While we are distinguishing between religious and secular, hareidi and dati, Sephardi and Ashkenazi, white and black, those who dress modestly and those who don’t, between those who live in cities and those who live in settlements—you al-Qaeda do not see these differences, to you we are all Jews. You do not distinguish between Israeli and French Jews, between Zionist and non-Zionist Jews, between those Jews living in the exile and those who live in Israel. Your hatred is so deep that you don’t even distinguish between Jewish children and their parents, between Jewish students and their teachers. For you understand that we are all the same people, and so thank you for reminding us.
Your fighter for al-Qaeda wore a helmet to conceal his face as he attacked the Jewish children in Toulouse. G-d granted him a brief moment to demonstrate mercy when his gun jammed while he held 7 –year-old Miriam by her hair; but he calmly brought out his other weapon and shot her instead - this brave soldier for Islam.
But his face was not concealed to us; we have seen this face many times before, it is the face of Amalek that specifically targets Jewish children.... So thank you for reminding us again that the darkest evil has no mercy and will not be moderated or negotiated with. Thank you also for reminding us that you will use whatever weapons are available to you to fulfill your mission so that those of us who have been confused regarding your true nature will now have clarity.
Thank you al-Qaeda for reminding Jews living outside of Israel that they are still connected to those who live here and for reminding those in Israel that they are connected to those living in the Diaspora.
Thank you for reminding us that we are actually one people, with one G-d and with one land, and that we share the same destiny and we share the same dream.

Daniel,
March 22, 2012 6:45 PM

Hence the problem

That is the problem!!! We have to unite as Jews, who cares about those labels. G-d certainly doesn't. So i say the first step is not fire back, we need to fix our insides before concentrating on outside forces

(56)
Helen,
March 22, 2012 12:51 PM

Our prayers are with you.

My heart is broken for this family! It is unbelieveable what the world has come to. I, as an American & a Christian, stand with Israel & for peace, unity & justice. Almighty God will have His justice. My prayers are with the family. שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם‎ shālôm ʻalêḵem

(55)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 11:34 PM

Tradgedy in Toulouse

It is with great compassion and sympathy that I send this message to the bereaved widow, parents, brothers, sisters and the whole Jewish congregation and community in Toulouse and Israel....please accept my sincerest heartfelt sympathy in your tragic lose....I pray to G-d above that he assists you and comforts you thru such a sad heart wrenching time....as in Jewish tradition I wish you a long life.....

(54)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 11:23 PM

Continued---by suggesting it is in some way a retaliation for the killing of children by Israel.The facts prove that no nation has done more in very difficult circumstances to protect civilians,especially children caught up in the violence,than Israel.This is particularly difficult when the terrorists are deliberately using civilians as shields by setting up their bases,from which to launch attacks on Israel, in populated areas.The answer lies with America.America must not become contaminated by the lies and propaganda spread by the Palestinian and other Authorities concerning Israel.There is some evidence that this is starting to happen amoung the academic and media class but as yet the American people feel a natural sympathy with Israel.These are dangerous times,and difficult times.Israel must not waver from her rightful course and she must not lose sight of her humanity ,as her enemies have done.I know this will never happen.

(53)
hrothgar,
March 21, 2012 11:10 PM

I can not begin to tell you how angry and frustrated I am by the bigoted and cowardly attitude of Western governments,primarily Europe,toward Democratic Israel whilst sympathising almost without question with the enemies of democracy and reason in the Moslim world.For years Europe has been spreading and perpetuating grotesque libels against Israel and her people,Spreading digraceful and bigoted,biased lies about Israel's struggle to be left in peace by those who have wished to destroy her from her rebirth.Whilst taking every opportunity to revile Israel,they have cringed and pandered to the vicious peddlers of hatred and death,hanging on their every word,and twisting every thing Israel has done in pursuit of peace and protection of her people.Not in recent times has a democratic state been so shamefully treated and tacitly denied her right to statehood by the wilfully blind "liberal"left establishment of Europe.These people are the most cynical because really they think "if only Israel would just go away,how cosy the middle East would be and how friendly we could be with The Arabs,Why can't the Jews just be content with living as second class citizens in a Moslim Palestine?"Europe and the so called opinion leaders of the middle class politically correct left should hang their heads in shame.it should be giving every encouragement and material help to Israel fighting the biggest threat to world peace that is militant Islam.These same people are also stepping up their attacks on Christianity,trying to drive it into the shadows of society,whilst allowing Islam every freedom.These circumstances are linked and are part of a larger plan by the left wing elite of Europe.Now this terrible atrocity has occured in France and the lefty newspapers,BBC,etc. are all saying "how shocking"whilst in their hearts they must know that their constant vilification of Israel has encouraged this wickedness.Even in this the Liberal idiots can't resist a swipe at Israel (Continued)

(52)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 8:35 PM

murder in Toulouse

This crime is hideous. There is no justification for the killing of
innocent people 4 of whom were children.
There should be rules not to gather outside buildings, we have this rule here in UK and London, when we attend synagogue services, or other events, to disperse as quickly as possible afterwards, to help prevent such insidious attacks from fanatic murderers.

(51)
Della Adams,
March 21, 2012 7:12 PM

This is such a tragedy~Peace for Jerusalem ~. Heart felt condolences to the family and associates.

(50)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 5:20 PM

U.S.

How long will it be before we see this here in the U.S.?

(49)
Bill B.,
March 21, 2012 3:45 PM

Christian solidarity

As an American Christian, I am angered, grieved and shocked that anyone could commit such an atrocity against an innocent Jewish family. The perpetrator must be brought to justice. Sadly, this kind of thing has happened before, and it will probably happen again. Many of us Christians in the U.S. stand in prayer and solidarity with the world-wide Jewish community. We pray for the peace of a Jerusalem united under Israel's flag and for the protection of Jews everywhere. Am Yisrael chai!

(48)
Hope,
March 21, 2012 3:23 PM

larger picture

This sends a signal that should Israel need to hit Iran,that Jews world wide are not safe.Countries have not taken the war against terror serious,so there for we will be on our own.If our Civil Rights are up for grab then we need to vote in another President that values the lives of Jews.

Barbara Johnson,
March 22, 2012 3:51 AM

I completely agree with Hope. We need a new prez anyway.

(47)
steven,
March 21, 2012 1:52 PM

Don't be so quick to judge your fellow Jew.

Don't be so quick to print a blog in which you "get the feeling that Jews abroad still perceive the threat as "somewhere out there.""
Perhaps you should consider that the murder of a Jewish child affects all Jews equally, in the diaspora or in Israel.
Perhaps you should consider that many, many Jews mourn shoulder by shoulder when innocent Israeli lives are taken.
Perhaps you should consider that many Jews frequently come to Israel, make their homes in Israel, serve in the Israeli army, raise money for Israel, defend Israel's cause abroad...
Perhaps you should consider that many synagogues across the globe prayer every week for the State of Israel and the welfare of its citizens.
Perhaps you should consider that many Jews, including myself, send their children year after year to Jewish schools so that they can learn about Judaism and develop a love for the State of Israel, despite the terrible security risks involved in so doing.
Perhaps you should give your fellow diaspora Jew more credit; they don't need a wake- up call - they need your support, just as you need theirs; not what could be perceived, incorrectly I hope; as your criticism.
Jews of the diaspora know all too well, that we stand as one, are judged as one and live and die as one. I would hope that you too, would treat us as one; not as 'them and us'.

Miriam Neumark,
March 21, 2012 3:39 PM

I agree, with this article.. I live in Toronto ,Canada and I do SEE that many Jews in my community are " not concerned ENOUGH "..

Its soon Erev Pesach , and even during Purim , with all the missile attacks in southern Israel , I see the APATHY among my fellow jews who THINK that its NOT their concern because its NOT IN THEIR Backyard in North America YET !! They are pre-occupied with other holiday preparation Matters !! That to me is PROOF Positive of the APATHY in the Diaspora !! There are many Christian Zionists doing more for Israel TODAY , for Example , the Jerusalem Prayer Team raising money to build bomb shelters for school kids and Holocaust survivors in Israel )!

(46)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 12:51 PM

terrible day

So many of us believe that everything is OK in Europe but the writing is on the walls again.
Anti semetism is on the rise and not just in France. I have family not far from Toulouse and also in the Netherlands. When I visit they tell me to hide my Magen David but will not do it . I was born and raised in the Netherlands. This is a hateful crime .
Wake up.
May the memories of those that died so unexpected be eternal.
Am Yisrael Chai.

(45)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 8:47 AM

Jews who are against Israel

When will these idiotic Jews stop their crusade against Israel? they are playing into the hands of our enemies.
Israel is the only country in the world which will take us in, if we ever have to run.
Those Jews who are against Israel, must remember that there were Jews in the concentration camps who acted against their fellow Jews and became capos. They thought that they will be saved.
They all ended up in the gas chambers and cremetorium.
No Jew is safe anywhere in the world, except our beloved, blessed Jewish state of Israel.
The Jews have many Christian friends, but there are more Jew hating Christians than friends.
The World Council of Churches are foolish enough to condemen Israel. They are sucking up to Islam. But they forget that Islam has an agenda to take over the world and convert everyone to Islam "or else"
They are digging their own graves.

(44)
pedro morel taveras,
March 21, 2012 5:02 AM

we need to wake up and remember that Hashem is calling us to return to our land.
I express my pure sincere comfort to the families and prayers in this sad and hard moment.

Alan S.,
March 22, 2012 6:50 AM

Sorry to write this, but I believe that Mr. Taveras obviously forgot to include in his brief comment the following: the Toulouse tragedy is not a "wake up" call from Hashem to "return to our land". HaShem may indeed want all Jews to "return to our land", but this tragedy is not the way a Merciful G-d would act behind the scenes. Much more commentary on this comment, as well as the Toulouse tragedy can be written, but for the time being, we mourn.

(43)
Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 4:07 AM

Baruch Dayan Haames

May Hashem comfort His daughter in her time of grief

(42)
Lisa,
March 21, 2012 3:55 AM

I'm awake...now what??

Many forget that 9/11 happened right here on American soil......& as we see here...not everything happens in Israel. So this is a wake up call....OK....I am awake...I get it, but what can we do now?? Besides the obvious to daven......what now? Please give us suggestions!! Thanks........

(41)
YoJewMama,
March 21, 2012 3:42 AM

no, it's not too early

What an amazing article. But why the "politically correct" line "It's too early to know whether this was an anti-Semitic act..."? No, it's not too early. Why do we always leave room for the possibility that when a Jew is murdered in such a fashion that it was "random". of course it was not. A few years back some Jews were shot in an underground parking lot in a synagogue in the LA area before 7 am. Not a hate crime? Really? Your article is about waking Jews up, so don't soften it for anyone. Sorry to criticize, I am criticizing my own way of thinking and trying to get my own head on straight with this issue. This is a great article and I intend on sharing it. Thank you!

(40)
maria guerrero,
March 21, 2012 2:38 AM

I am so sad

I am so sad about this sensless and coward attack I am outraged, I feel for the family,

(39)
gloria proops,
March 21, 2012 1:49 AM

Sorrow for the widow

I am devastated as I am sure all Jews worldwide are. I
was in the company of a \jewish Lady living in Paris, whose comments surprised me, she noted the lack of Kosher restaurants, in the West End, comparing it to Paris, where there are very many. President Sarkosy gladdened my heart, leadiong a minute's silence, to-day.

(38)
feige,
March 21, 2012 1:03 AM

Baruch Dayan Emet

There are no words that can possibly convey our condolences to a grieving widow who joined her husband and family to bring Yiddishkeit to Toulouse, France. The message is very clear. there is no promise of safety anywhere-even in the USA. there is true safety when we join with other Jews in solidarity, pray, make mitzvahs.
My husband and I are making aliyah May 21, 2012. Our children and grandchildren are already there.
Rebbetzin Sandler our condolences and our thanks for being true to Torah. You are a role model of emunah for all of us.

(37)
Fred,
March 20, 2012 11:49 PM

We seem to revisit the thirties. Antisemitismus is allowed to flourish and propagandised in the extreme. Yet, there is hardly a counter propaganda in the news.
We seem to live on an island where the tide of hatred seem to rise unabated. I am a holocaust surviver. I am astonished that there are Jewish interlectuals and other in high placed position who could and should voice a counter to the current wave of antisemitismus. Alas, a deadly silence. It is a wait and see policy. Remember the 30s even USA embraced antisemitismus as much as the rest of the world, The doors slammed shut to the Jews all over the world. What about a bit of propaganda about the perpetrators of hatred. Jew wake up.

(36)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 11:38 PM

The first Step

In order to help slow down this anti-semitisim the first step is for us in the United States is to vote out the current administration it is no accident that world wide anti smitisim has increased during the last three years the policies of this administration have led the world to believe that there is no reason to fear their actions and at the same time these policies have ligitimised them

Linda,
March 21, 2012 1:26 PM

Why blame the current administration?

Anti-semitisim is not the fault of the current U.S. administration. It was alive and kicking way before the president was even born. I think it's very shallow of you to even make such an idiotic statement. Do you think Mitt Romney, a mormon likes Jews? Do you remember the crusades? Santorum and Gingrich are catholics. I think your head is in a black cloud.

(35)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 11:22 PM

Standing with Jews

I am not a Jew, but I stand with Jews everywhere to honour and respect you, to share something of the pain of this tragedy, and to assure you that there are many, many people around the world who do support you, who respect you, who are proud of your many accomplishments, and who are angry at what is happening in Israel, and to the Jewish people. My prayers - the prayers of those who love and support you - are with you.

(34)
Rivky,
March 20, 2012 10:08 PM

LOOK FOR THE SALVATION IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

The focus is not on the Muslims and their hatred towards us. There is a much greater picture here... and we cant miss the point! Hashem is th One in charge of everything, always! In the Purim story, if the Jews were all focused on appeasing Haman and getting on the good side of Achashveirosh, where would we be today?? we must turn up to Hashem!!! Beautiful article... I agree that we must unite, stop speaking badly about one another, have ahavas chinum (love each other for simply being another Jew) and with the help of Hashem we will see an ending like the Jews in the purim story did!

(33)
sjewa schijveschuurder,
March 20, 2012 9:21 PM

from the little girl mirjam ah

is there no pain for the parents grandparents/whole family from the little girl mirjam ah

(32)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 8:50 PM

This is so awful .My heart goes out to this window adn all the jews. Im crying since I heard and praying for peace.
Unfortunately with the amount of Jews destroying other Jews until this stop and we wake up and be kind to each other this will conttinue.We need this kind of hatred within to stop ! Hashem will keep sending us messages to WAKE UP. Its not worth the lives of other jewish Innocent people who are being affected. Our actions good or bad do affect everyone all over the world as well as our prayers can help all over the world. It affects everyone! Please be kind to each other already and help each other so Hashem can say we deserve to be protected We need to UNITE as a nation. Please Wake up!!!!!
There are so many jews suffering horribly from the hands & action of other jews! This needs to stop! Then Hashem will protect us from this kind of situations. How many more need to be taken so tragically for us wake up?????? Its not worth destroying each other for? Innocent people are being affected – this is just horrible. I hope people will change their ways and be kind to each already so no more innocent are taken.

(31)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 8:50 PM

Wakeup Call

I thought the massacre in Mumbai was a wake up call. Then I thought the slaughter of the Fogel family was a wake up. Now you are saying that the slaughter in Toulouse, France, is a wake up call. We Jews have been nudged since time immemorial to wake up, and while we are all shaken when the event happens, somehow it passes into our history and we move on. I don't know what it will take to wake us up, and I'm not sure exactly what we can do, besides pray, do good deeds, and be very aware. I pray this is the last one, but logically I know it is not. What I also know, is that the next tragedy will be a wake up call, only this time it might happen alot closer to home.

(30)
Mel Berger,
March 20, 2012 8:25 PM

We lose our best

How many more times must we lose our best and Moshiach has still not been alowed to come? We have needed him and still need him now!

(29)
Norm,
March 20, 2012 7:20 PM

Fight or Flight ? ? ?

Why is it that no one will even dare to mention fighting back? Most of us have the option of arming ourselves, be it with a gun or simply a can of wasp & hornet spray. I for one will shed no tears over any harm that comes to those that seek to hurt me or my loved ones. Will this generation be the next to march, lock step into the showers? Anti-Jewish hatred is just getting started. Will we allow 1933 & following to happen all over again? It does not have to be!

Anonymous,
March 22, 2012 4:10 AM

It'scalled apathy.Very dangerous to have in this dangerous world. Europe, Russia, Romania, Poland etc. have all their share ignoring anti-semitism. Yes, even the US turned Jews back to Germany,no one has clean hands in this. When will people learn from history?

(28)
Yaaov Reuven ben Hyka,
March 20, 2012 6:15 PM

Why don't you say the Truth

The truth is that Hashem is bringing Jew hatred to motivate Jews to move to Israel. Problem is that we have to leave behind the nonsense we are addicted to. The TV/movies, porn, sports everything that is anti-Torah. Moving to Israel might save your body but if you do not do cold turkey on your addictions you will lose your soul. Your soul is why you are alive in the 1st place. Don't think you are here in this world to make money, have fun and eat as much as you want, do what you want without paying the bill.

ladydi,
March 20, 2012 7:21 PM

Yaaov

I think you are SO WRONG - Hashem has nothing to do with motivating the Jews to move to Israel. Its a matter of personal choice. If one follows his/her religion with a pure heart then they are doing all the right things. Israel is only geography.....a little dot on the map. My heart breaks for the Rabbi and the children murdered and the families left behind to mourn this senseless act......

arlene,
March 20, 2012 8:11 PM

for shame

How dare you even think in this vein to "glump" all Jews in that thought process of yours

david,
March 20, 2012 9:14 PM

do you live in israel

aish.com isnt a place for one to write his confessions and addictions... please leave we out of this...

Ron Kall,
March 21, 2012 12:51 AM

Why Jews live everywhere

Hashem scattered the Jews around the world so they could bring Jewish values etc. to the gentile world. The Jews succeeded, but are continually murdered anyway by people who don't want to see the obvious good that Jews have brought the world.

Wassim,
March 21, 2012 2:56 AM

Hold your horses friend, there could be a plot in there too

Some Jews strenuously believe that Jews were never meant to have a state, and that they should be free to live among communities throughout the world. Some other Jews believe that they should eventually come home to Israel, their true home. I understand the benefits of living in Israel, but I fear that it might be yet another plot to collect as many of you in one place as possible. I would simply advise that you don't put all your eggs in one basket (ie. don't ALL move to Israel), while maintaining and strengthening your individual links with Israel. Jewish survival is a matter of realistic strategy, do not over simplify it. Besides, wouldn't it appear like capitulation to give in to their hatred rather than deal with it effectively. I would say that Jews are now more than ever in history, finally in a position of strength that allows you to assert yourself wherever you are in the world. Strategy is the key to survival, not *submitting* to what we *think* Hashem wants. Hashem wants us to think and never stop thinking.

Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 3:47 AM

Vayidom Aharon

"The truth is that Hashem is bringing Jew hatred to motivate Jews to move to Israel." The presumption of knowledge of the mind of Hashem in this statement is breathtaking. In the absence of prophecy, nobody can speak in Hashem's name. The only possible response to a tragedy of this magnitude is "vayidom Aharon"- the silence of Aharon Hakohein, and his acceptance of the Heavenly decree of the death of his two sons. Hashem surely wants us each to look inward and upward. Each of us knows where he or she has to improve in order to draw closer to Him. It diminishes the tragedy to make a categorical statement such as this.

Gesia Rosenberg,
March 21, 2012 3:49 AM

I agree with you

I agree with you. This are the times. He said he would gather us from the 4 corners of the earth in the last days and bring us home. He didn't say how. Pain and suffering? Yes again how many have asimilated to all you are mentioning. how many just practice because they where born in it and what else would you do and then there is the ones who are returning to torah with a vivid desire from their heaart to obey G-d and yes all that is just what you say.

Lisa,
March 21, 2012 3:58 AM

Such clarity!

You are so right....we aren't here to perfect our tennis game......we are here to feed our neshamas!! And yes, all the outside distractions have an enormous pull! Yes, moving to Israel is 100% what we must all do!!!

David J.,
March 21, 2012 6:22 AM

I'm Jewish,because of my Jewish Mother,and because I Choose to BE!!!

Shalom! While I agree with you in part,I do find lurking in the back ground of what you say, eerily simuliar, to the Mushuggas that spit on little girls and throw stones at People who,are none observers of Shabus!!......... (ie:Jerusalem)...Who!(in my humble opinion),are no differant than the Crazy Mullas in Iran!!,...if these Zealots,Jewish or Arab,ever gain full control,may G-d help us!! Extremist on iether side, should be severly dealt with,and NOT allowed to infringe on the Rights, of a Democratic, population at large. When Jews start telling other Jews,how to think! ......some things amiss!! D.J. Canada.

(27)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 5:42 PM

My eyes are filled with tears and my heart is heavy. To the widow
her family and all Jews I am sorry for our loss.

Maureen Hanna,
March 21, 2012 6:45 AM

barukh dayan ha emet , i feel sad and tears are running out . Hashem is the only one for protection . we live in the galut . now what?

Rita,
March 21, 2012 7:38 AM

I agree

I agree with you. May God comfort you in this time for distress and sadness.

(26)
Frederica Steller,
March 20, 2012 5:33 PM

The senseless murder of a rabbi and his children, by murderous, anti-semitic fascists.

I totally agree with you, that we (Jews world over) need to be aware of the danger that these murderous, fascists are to us; not just to Jews in Israel.

Marilyn,
March 20, 2012 8:40 PM

Our thoughts with you

Our hearts are pierced by this tragedy. Please know that our thoughts are with you all. May Hashem comfort and undergird at this terrible time...

(25)
Barry,
March 20, 2012 5:32 PM

The biggest mistake we made was not getting some sort of European civil rights act - like the African-Americans got in the late 1960's. One only has to look at the Yahoo message boards to see how engrained the Jewish stereotypes and old hatreds are. We failed totally to fight this. We were so busy after the war with our monumments, and our Yad Vashems and of course Israel we neglected to do this.
As for Baroness Ashton, her remarks embolden our enemies. If pogroms in france re-occur then she needs to be held accountable.

(24)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 5:27 PM

Tragic murders in Toulouse

Very painfull to read this article. More Jews murdered only because of the fact that they're Jews. But I have to disagree with the initial statement that "the world is recoiling from the horrific slaughter at a Jewish school".
I don't really believe that outside of Israel and majority of the Jewish communities, unfortunatelly the world does not care.

(23)
Nathan Siegal,
March 20, 2012 4:49 PM

I am so saddened by what happened in France

As a Jewish man and as a strong zionist supporter of Israel, I am deeply saddened about the horrific incident and slaughter that happened in France and my heart goes out to the families and victims of this horrendous crime. As Jewish individuals we need to stand up to this Anti-Semetic evil that is happening in Israel and to Jewish people in the World today.-Nate.

(22)
Sholom,
March 20, 2012 4:04 PM

Miracle

The attack itself should come as no surprise. We Jews are hated and are wanted dead by many groups, be they motivated by Hitler-like-Darwinists, or Religious fundamentalists like Moslems and KKK racists.
It's a miracle these attacks don't happen more often considering how vulnerable we are and how inept the "State" is at protecting us.
Don't be outraged at the governments who are in any event, incapable of preventing such an attack. (See Columbine, Virginia Tech and Chardon OH.)
We should ask ourselves, 'what are we doing to protect our families, institutions and communities?'
That's the underllying question.

(21)
Lynda Hopkins,
March 20, 2012 3:45 PM

Baroness Ashton

Baroness Ashton's comments are deliberately designed to gain attention to herself and to align with Israel's enemies. Her husband's family, Jewish, fled Hitler's Germany. Possibly because of her Jewish connection, she feels the need to demonstrate she is not biased. In any event I am appalled.

(20)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 3:15 PM

Hate knows no bounds

Hate is hate. I am Jewish and wonder why the others who were brutally murdered previously were not mentioned as well in this article. France seems to think it is okay to let hate commentary be used in an election cycle. They are thriving on it.The hate is aimed at anyone who they feel is not French and is considered an outsider. Pain is pain and other families are feeling this loss as well in France. Unfortunately Jews have felt this pain throughout our history. Everyone should wake up to hate propaganda!

(19)
Menahem Zen,
March 20, 2012 3:11 PM

Very True!

This is very true:
"Every Jew, no matter where s/he is, cannot separate himself from Israel. We are all one, intrinsically bound for eternity."
I totally agree with the statement

(18)
Terry Segal,
March 20, 2012 3:01 PM

The persistence of Neo-Nazism

As a teacher, I know we can teach religious and cultural tolerance in the classroom. Communities can get together to celebrate diversity. What I don't understand is why hate groups are allowed to spread their evil on the Internet and why Neo Nazis groups are given the right to assemble when their purpose is to spread hate? I understand the principles of democracy but I don't understand the abuse of these principles. Perhaps censorship on the Internet is really needed. And outlawing Neo Nazis could make a difference in the amount of hate crimes.

(17)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 2:53 PM

Toulouse heinous murder of innocent Jewish children and one of the fathers

This is not a wake up call...we are all well awake and have been since the Shoah and then the dispossession and exile of Jews living in Arab lands.
What is shocking is that the French Government seems to have done very little over the years to even teach children at the school level that anti-Semitism is unacceptable.
Remember the torture and murder of Ilan Halimi? None of the French wine drinking neighbours bothered to call the police even though his shrieks of pain could be heard.
The French Government should not be allowed to shrug this new murder off by saying that it was not racial hatred against our Jewish brethren, but the act of a lone deranged person...etc..

(16)
Les Green,
March 20, 2012 2:47 PM

When are Jews going to wake up? Iran, and all the other Islamic countries are not our friends, they are our sworn enemies, according to them, not us! We want peace and all our overtures are met with disdain and rebuke. Wake up! PLEASE!!!

Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 4:18 PM

Peace overtures.

Jews are very much awake and we accept the fact the the world wants us dead.
Why are you bothering with peace overtures?
Peace (if at all possible) can only be acheived through strength. When your enemy fears you, he'll think twice before attacking you.
There never will be "peace". Only "absence of war".

Anonymous,
March 21, 2012 1:13 AM

American Jews

I agree that peace can only be acheived through strenght.About Jews being awake I dont think many Jews in the America are awake.

(15)
suri,
March 20, 2012 2:37 PM

you are right

the call is specific - all we have is hashem - thats it. no need to add

(14)
Yehudah ben Yisrael,
March 20, 2012 2:23 PM

Massada never again

May they rest in peace with HaShem. We will not surrender!

(13)
Wassim,
March 20, 2012 10:38 AM

Catherine Ashton losing credibility by the second

Press releases should be brief for a reason, the world could learn something from XinHuaNet. They need to be careful to explicitly convey the intended message without inadvertently implying something else. It shouldn't be too hard for someone with a "team" working for her, but then again it depends on the quality of the individuals in this "team".

(12)
smb,
March 20, 2012 6:51 AM

we need to come together and be strong and hold on

Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 3:00 PM

We need to make sure that this does not happen again

We are strong! we are not victims. NEVER AGAIN!!!
We must ensure that a watchful eye is kept on all the Governments of countries that had a fair share of anti-Semitic acts, and lobby like mad so that laws can be enacted to protect Jews. Lessons should be given at the school level to teach children that racism and anti-Semitism are unacceptable.
New immigrants have to be taught that they have been lucky to have achieved inmmigrant status, and that anti-Semitism and racism will not be tolerated in their new country.

s,
March 21, 2012 6:41 PM

no we are not as strong as we should be because we are not as unified as we should be until tragedy happens. We need to be unified so we have blessing and then our enemies can't touch us. I pray may we Jews be pleasantly inspired to have unity

(11)
LIORA STERN,
March 20, 2012 6:48 AM

HORRIFYING

NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE PAIN OF MRS. SANDLER. G-D KEEP YOU STRONG.. WE NEED TO FIGHT THIS HORRIBLE HATERESS..

(10)
Gina,
March 20, 2012 6:32 AM

Jews [Hebrews/Israelites] endured and survived all the genocidal 'Hamans' since slavery in Egypt...

Jews [Hebrews/Israelites] endured and survived all the genocidal 'Hamans' since slavery in Egypt...
* Pharaoh (his decree to throw all Hebrew children into the river, as written in Exodus).
* Haman (wished to annihilate all Jews, men women and children, as elaborated in Esther).
* Hitler (wishing to "erase" the Jewish ethnicity/origin).
* [Arab-Islamic Mufti of "Palestine"] Haj Amin al-Husseini (from his "holy" nazi sermons in Berlin during WW2: "Kill all Jews, wherever you find them, this pleases Allah..")
* Rafsanjani/Ahmadinejad/Khamenei (Rafsanjani: "One bomb is enough to destroy all Israel"; Ahmadinejad: "Wipe off map;" Khamenei: "cancerous... must be cut").

(9)
John Miller,
March 20, 2012 6:17 AM

Grief

There are no words to express the killing of children. Children are the most treasured in God's Kingdom. The Lord sees everything. May He bring peace and healing to the family members afflicted.

Sholom,
March 20, 2012 3:53 PM

Attack

Why is the killing of children any more tragic than the killing of an adult. Sorry to mince words but it seems to me there should be no difference.

(8)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 4:39 AM

Please correct Number!

Please correct the number of children killed to three. When I saw this article I was afraid the injured teen had succumbed as well, chas v'chalilah!

(7)
Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 2:16 AM

Hebrew Names

Does anyone know the hebrew names of the people who were injured? I would like to say tehillim for them.

I was given the following names of 3 people injured in this attack:
Miriam bat Yaakov (sorry, no mother's name given)
Aharon ben Lea
Chai Nissim ben Aviva
May Hashem send them a refuah shelema among all other ill Jewish people and comfort those who lost their loved ones.
Thank you for including them in your tehillim list.

(6)
Leah,
March 19, 2012 11:05 PM

Kidush Hashem

What happened is exremely tragic from the external perspective. But we should not forget, that a Jew, who dies for being Jewish does a very big Kiddush Hashem and therefore has a tremendous zchus. Our enemeys make us a big favour. We should not loose the correct perspective on things.

Anonymous,
March 20, 2012 2:48 PM

Easy to say

Leah, so easy to say, but really not considerate for family who has lost so much; wonder how u would feel if it was your family? Would u keep your perspective still? I know I would be very angry to have my family sacrificed; god didn't ask first if it was ok to take away the family in such a horrific fashion

(5)
Michal,
March 19, 2012 9:36 PM

All the time - perhaps with a litte pause in between -

Jews were killed, man, women and children. By the Nazis. Then I was a child. The world was "blind".
Now I am old and Jews are killed. And comparing the killing of a young Rabbi and his two little sons (beside others) with "what is happening in Gaza" by Catherine Ashton, sounds very "nazi-like" in my ears. And I wonder, why I am so happy and so proud being a Jew!... I can't explain it, that I feel so honored by that fact.

(4)
Ruth Bekoff,
March 19, 2012 9:10 PM

So very sad, my heart breaks for the young widow and mother.
May Hashem give her the strength and courage to bear her loss.
The Rabbi, his sons and the other child have returned their pure souls to Hashem. May their memory only be for a blessing

(3)
Sally,
March 19, 2012 8:42 PM

enemies of the Jews -- watch out!

Thus wrote Thomas Newton – 18th century Bishop of Bristol: "The preservation of the Jews is really one of the most signal and illustrious acts of divine Providence… and what but a supernatural power could have preserved them in such a manner as none other nation upon earth hath been preserved. Nor is the providence of God less remarkable in the destruction of their enemies, than in their preservation… We see that the great empires, which in their turn subdued and oppressed the people of God, are all come to ruin… And if such hath been the fatal end of the enemies and oppressors of the Jews, let it serve as a warning to all those, who at any time or upon any occasion are for raising a clamor and persecution against them."

Elana,
March 20, 2012 2:41 PM

What I needed

This is exactly what I needed to hear; that one day these murderers will pay dearly; thank you

Miriam,
March 20, 2012 7:51 PM

Thank you, Sally!

Thank you for posting this quote, I'm going to copy and paste it onto my facebook wall.

(2)
Anonymous,
March 19, 2012 8:36 PM

heartbroken

this is so sad i am at a loss for words....only tears may speak the right words in such a tragedy ;(

(1)
Debra Thomas,
March 19, 2012 8:16 PM

murder in france

Prayers of comfort to both families. I really think it is time for children of Israel to return home.

In the wake of this week’s bombings against Israeli targets in India and Bangkok, Iran is blaming Israel for attacking its own people.

We're used to this far-fetched Iranian paranoid smokescreening. Remember, these are the same folks whose intelligence agents arrested 14 squirrels for allegedly sneaking around with Western spy gear.

But now the mainstream media is chiming in with their own repugnant theories. Genieve Abdo, a frequent contributor to the New York Times, told Australian public radio that Israel had bombed its own diplomats in order to have an excuse to blame Iran:

Radio Host: Iran’s leadership says it’s sheer lies that it’s behind the attacks and [Iran says] that the Israelis have planted the bombs themselves to discredit Iran.

Geneive Abdo: Well I think that’s entirely possible. I mean, if you consider what the Israelis did for many years in Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East, that theory is not so farfetched.

This is a throwback to the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, when Thomas Ricks, at the time a military correspondent for the Washington Post, told CNN that Israel purposely allowed Hezbollah to launch missiles into northern Israel – in order to have an excuse to retaliate. According to Ricks:

One of the things that is going on... is that Israel purposely has left pockets of Hezbollah rockets in Lebanon, because as long as they’re being rocketed, they can continue to have a sort of moral equivalency in their operations in Lebanon.

As the Iran-Israel battle heats up, be on the lookout for more of this libelous disinformation coming from the mainstream media.

Visitor Comments: 3

(2)
Karmen Nava,
February 19, 2012 3:46 PM

There is a movement to blame Israel for all of the global problems today. There are multiudes of websites in every language blaming the Zionists as well as ing Christians who support Israel, and it is increasing. These provocative authors surely have an agenda and most people follow blindly without doing their own research. The Protocols of the Elders of Zion are again being circulated around the world. From my own research, the author was not even Jewish. How can the human race believe that only one group is responsible for all of the problems of the earth. Surely the despots who reside in every nation who infiltratte the politics and every major religions are involved. The renegade mafia of evil involved in so many secret organizations which conspire against the human race. Those people who have a regard for humanity and respect G-d´s Commandments do not take part in this vicious hatred.

(1)
Lisa,
February 16, 2012 10:56 AM

Where have you been??

Shraga, your blog puts the perfect finishing touch on Aish's website!! It's current & very insightful!! Thank you so much for keeping us plugged into whats "buzzing" today! Yasher Koach!

simon,
February 19, 2012 3:58 PM

they are people they say things without sens

There are people they write against Israel writhout saing the true.

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In Tehran, the speech by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made during Friday Prayer and broadcast live to the nation, came amid deepening American concern about a possible military strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites by Israel, whose leaders delivered blunt new warnings on Thursday about what they called the need to stop Iran’s nuclear program. Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran a threat to its existence. (Robert F. Worth and David E. Sanger, "U.N. Nuclear Inspectors’ Visit to Iran Is a Failure, West Says," New York Times, February 3, 2012.)

Now why, pray tell, might Israel “consider” a nuclear-armed Iran a threat to its existence?

The Times doesn't get into specifics, and indeed leaves out a key part of Khamenei’s speech, reported by the Ahlul Bayt ("Holy Household") Islamic News Agency:

"The Zionist regime is truly a cancerous tumor in the region and it must be, and will be, cut off.”

Why did the Times leave out that key statement, and present this very real threat to Israel as a mere concern?

This is just another one of the many, many patterns of bias the New York Times is perpetrating against Israel. In reporting on Ahmadinejad's horrific threat that Israel "must be wiped off the map," the Times has cleverly re-translated the original Farsi into the far milder wish that Israel should "vanish from the pages of time." (Ethan Bronner, "Just How Far Did They Go, Those Words Against Israel?", New York Times, June 11, 2006)

Of course, the Times’ mistranslation ignores the fact that the Iranian government has erected billboards with the phrase "Israel should be wiped out of the face of the world" in plain English, and the slogan is painted on Iranian ballistic missiles.

The English section of Ahmadinejad's own website quotes him as saying that Israel "will be wiped off the map." ("President Says Zionist Regime of Israel Faces Deadend," June 3, 2008) And Dariush Rezaiinejad, chief commander of Iran's Basij militia, has stated clearly: "We have no option but to have the Zionist regime wiped off the map." ("IRGC Basij: No Choice But to Wipe Out Israel," Home Daily News - Iran, July 27, 2011)

All this is documented in my book, David & Goliath. And it’s all been erased from the New York Times, the increasingly-questionable "newspaper of record."

Visitor Comments: 8

(6)
Wassim,
February 21, 2012 1:40 PM

Yes I'm worried too

Seems such a shame considering Persia's magnificent history, but everything changed when the Muslims conquered it. Yazgird III's letter is a classic for all time. I'm so ashamed of what is passing for religion these days. Seems some people don't want a ONE GOD world... everyone wants their own version... I pray HaShem will show his hand and lead us to true civilisation at last. This year will be a special Purim. Have faith.

(5)
Phil,
February 10, 2012 4:43 AM

The NYT has a long history...

When the NYT reported on Kristallnacht, they made Goebbels look like a savior: http://holokauston.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/kristallnacht-headline-nyt.jpg

(4)
Beverly Kurtin,
February 9, 2012 10:51 PM

Saving Israel

I'm reading "Saving Israel" by Daniel Gord. It is a disturbing book in some ways because it tells the out and out truth about what the Arabs want. They do not want "a" nation, they want ISRAEL...every bit of it; only by removing all Jews from the land which the Arabs called "Occupied" will the Arabs be happy. That is why they refuse to negotiate, period.
Jew Hate is raising its horrid head again in Europe where attacks on Jews is becoming more and more common.
If they did take over Israel, would they do as they did when we stupidly gave them Gaza? Will they destroy everything? That seems to be all that they know or have ever known.
They are mentioned in Obadiah, telling how they urged the Babylons to tear down the temple and raze the rest of Jerusalem. Edomites (the Arabs) have been our enemies for milenia. NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE WERE THE ARABS PROMISED THE LAND THEY NOW CLAIM. Yet, that is all that they will accept.
The Arabs are poisoning the minds of the world with their pernicious propaganda. WHY the world accepts lies when the truth is in front of them is beyond my ability to ponder.
The one thing I took from that book is the importance of Israel because ONLY in Israel can we make Jewish decisions based on Jewish ideas.
There were some who did not want the Somalis from entering Israel. But those who recalled our escape from Egypt decided that we had no moral right other than to invite them in. The world never heard about it, the world never hears about the good things we do in Israel.
If we are to be able to continue to make our own decisions based on our Judaism, Israel MUST continue to exist, but we're going to have to do it without even talking with the Arabs; they will never permit us to live in peace. This could go on for centuries. Sigh...

(3)
Michal,
February 7, 2012 3:33 PM

It reminds me of the beginnings of the Holocaust

Hitler (like Ahmadinejad) from the beginning said openly what he would do with the Jews. "You must not take it so seriously. He is crazy." The whole world said, and even most of the Jews of Germany thaught it. 1938 they took part in the olympic Games in Berlin. They planned everything in that Villa at the beautiful Wannsee. Again no outcry. There were some, who believed it. My father in law left Germany at the day, Hitler had won the elections in 1933. At the same day he took some of his things, left back his flat and his belongings, took his wife and went to Israel (then British Mandate). He could not understand, that others were not able to see the truth.
All Hitler had planned, came true. I must not speak about the Holocaust. ll is well known.
Now Ahmadinejad, like Hitler, says openly that Israel has not right, to exist and must be destroyed. And the reaction of our "friends" is exactly the same...
I am thankful, that you, Rabbi Shraga Simmons see the truth and write it down. May they all wake up and listen to your "voice in the desert"! May the blind see... Before it is too late again.

(2)
Rachel,
February 6, 2012 3:19 PM

"considers" is the appropriate word

Israel "believes" Iran is an existential threat is too mild. And Israel "knows" this is inaccurate. I am glad that major publications use the English language precisely, even if some think it makes the Times seem uncaring about Israel's very legitimate reaction to Iran's escalating language accompanied by attempts to build a nuclear arsenal.

Deborah Bach,
February 7, 2012 12:08 PM

yes and also

Yes, "considers" is an appropriate word. Also, The Times article would have been more balanced had it included a statement explaining that the reason Israel considers nuclear weapons in Iranian hands to be an existential threat has to do with the statements of Iranian leaders. The problem is that in the Times choice of the word "considers" with no background the impression of many readers will be that there is plenty of rational room for considering other possibilities.

(1)
ruth housman,
February 6, 2012 1:18 PM

what is venomous

and dangerous is just THIS. There is no way to hide one's head in the sand and pretend these things are not happening, this hatred, this acid, not corrosive and needing world attention.
what bothers me, endlessly, is the repeats. It seems it all does constantly repeat, and through repetition hatred seems to get further embedded in people.
I wonder, I truly wonder, when will this stop, and why does htis continue. Are Jews somehow the scapegoats that allow others to feel good about themselves, about somehow being better, with someone to stomp. Someone to be the target of what is beyond demeaning, dangerous, and destructive more to "them" than to us, because this is how the human soul gets totally corroded.
We cannot erase these things because they are happening, and they made fiction seem like a piece of cake compared to reality. The reality of hate is that it seems to be an all consuming conflagration that totally consumes, burns, those who burn within in this absent way, without soul.

DorothyFrancesGoldstein,
February 6, 2012 8:23 PM

Faith: In The Media & Each Other

Many years ago I quoted the NY Times as the "authority" behind something I was attempting to defend. My cousin is still laughing at my then blind bias for the paper and other media. The other night on the same broadcast that aired the above truly terrifying news item, an unrelated story was reported about a Muslim worship center in the Bronx that had opened it's doors to allow Jews to share their building due to loss of their own. The leader reported that they initially lost 90% of their followers because of this action BUT DID NOT RETRACT THE OFFER and both groups share this house of prayer. Is this perhaps a glimmer of what could be?

About this Blog

Shraga's Blog presents an eclectic mix of insights on current topics through the lens of Torah Judaism.
The author, Rabbi Shraga Simmons, holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and
rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He is the senior editor of Aish.com and the director
of JewishPathways.com. He was the founding editor of HonestReporting.com and is the author of a new book,
David & Goliath: The Explosive Inside Story of Media Bias in
the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2012).